(King Thalor Therald’s Chamber)
The heavy doors creaked open. Eyan stepped inside, Eva walking beside him.
King Thalor Therald sat near the tall window, silver light spilling over his broad shoulders. His expression was softer than usual, the years visible in the quiet lines of his face.
Eyan bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Father.”
The King turned his head toward him — and then his gaze shifted to the woman at his side.
“Oh?” he said, mild surprise flickering in his eyes. “It seems you are not alone.”
Eva gathered the sides of her dress gracefully and bowed. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
A small smile formed on the King’s lips. “Lady Eva,” he greeted warmly. “What brings you here?”
Eva opened her mouth nervously. “I—”
“Father,” Eyan interrupted gently, stepping slightly forward, “I brought her to introduce her to you.”
King Thalor frowned faintly. “Introduce her? I already know her—”
Eyan smiled. “Yes. You know her.”
He turned toward Eva and took her hand firmly, their fingers intertwining.
“But allow me to introduce her properly.”
His voice was steady.
“Father… this is Eva.” He lifted their joined hands slightly. “The woman I love.” A pause. “My wife...And your daughter-in-law.”
The chamber went utterly still.
King Thalor blinked. “What did you just say?”
Eyan did not waver. “You heard correctly. I apologise for hiding it from you. But I am already married.”
He glanced at Eva, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles. “She is my wife.”
For a second, the King simply stared.
Then—
He abruptly rose from his chair.
“You apologise?” he repeated dangerously.
Before either of them could react, he strode to the corner of the room and grabbed the wooden walking stick resting there.
Eva blinked.
Eyan stiffened. “Father—?”
King Thalor raised the stick.
“Wait— wait, Father!” Eyan lifted his arms defensively.
The stick came down swiftly. Eyan barely managed to block it with his arm, stumbling back.
“How dare you hide something this important from your own father?!” King Thalor thundered, advancing toward him.
Eyan retreated quickly, circling the room to avoid the next swing.
“Father, stop running like this! You’re ill!” he protested, dodging another strike.
King Thalor, breathing heavily but stubborn as ever, glared at him. “You think I’m old and can’t catch you? Come here! I’ll break your bones with my own hands!”
Eva stood near the center of the room, watching the Emperor Therald chase his grown son with a stick. She covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Eyan soon found himself cornered against a marble pillar. King Thalor approached slowly this time, a dangerous smile curving his lips.
“Now,” he said calmly, raising the stick high above his head, “where will you run?”
Eyan squeezed his eyes shut.
“FATHER, YOU’RE GOING TO BE A GRANDFATHER!” he shouted.
The stick froze mid-air. Silence fell over the chamber. Eyan cautiously opened one eye.
King Thalor’s hand trembled. “What… did you say?”
Eyan straightened slowly, a grin spreading across his face.
“I said,” he repeated clearly, “you’re going to be a grandfather.”
He glanced toward Eva. “You always wanted a grandchild, didn’t you? Your wish came true.”
The stick slipped from the King’s grasp and clattered to the floor. His fingers trembled. And then, without warning, he stepped forward and pulled Eyan into a tight embrace.
“Thank you… my son,” King Thalor whispered, his voice breaking. “Thank you… for making me a grandfather.”
Tears streamed down his face.
Eyan stiffened in shock.
“Father… are you really crying?” he asked softly. “Did you want an heir that badly? To continue the Therald bloodline… to protect that dragon?”
King Thalor pulled back, still wiping at his eyes.
“No.” His voice shook. “What I wanted… was for my son to have his own family.”.He cupped Eyan’s shoulder firmly. “I wanted you to find happiness.”
Eyan’s expression faltered, emotion rising in his chest. “Father…”
King Thalor turned then, his gaze softening as it fell upon Eva.
“Eva, my child… come here.”
Eva stepped forward respectfully.
The King placed his hand gently upon her head in blessing.
“Thank you, my child,” he said warmly. “For choosing my foolish son.”
Eva could not help it — she laughed.
Eyan offended. “How can you call your own son foolish? Am I that bad?”
“You are,” King Thalor replied without hesitation.
Eva laughed louder.
“Eva, stop laughing!” Eyan protested.
In the next instant, King Thalor grabbed Eyan’s ear and twisted it sharply.
“Ahh— Father!”
“How dare you order my daughter-in-law in my presence?” the King scolded. “She can laugh as much as she wants. Who are you to stop her?”
“I apologise! I apologise! Now let go!” Eyan winced.
King Thalor released him. Eyan rubbed his ear dramatically, muttering under his breath.
The King then turned back to Eva, his expression thoughtful.
“My child,” he said gently, “if you and Eyan were already married…Then why did you ask for my permission to marry him that day?”
Eva and Eyan exchanged a glance. A silent understanding passed between them.
Eyan stepped forward, his voice steady. “Father… allow me to answer that question.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
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Eyan did not hide anything. Standing before his father, he spoke of everything.
He told him how he had taken the name Kyel… how he had married Eva under that false identity. How he had lied to her. He spoke of Eva’s despair. Of Luca’s resolve. Of the forbidden wish. Of turning back time. And finally— Of Leo.
When he finished, the chamber had fallen into a heavy silence.
King Thalor’s hands trembled. Slowly, he turned to Eva. Tears streamed freely down his aged face.
“My child…” His voice broke. “Thank you. I do not know how I can ever repay you for what you have done for our bloodline.”
Eva stepped forward quickly and shook her head. “No, Father. Please don’t say that.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “You don’t have to repay me. I did everything to save my family. That’s all.”
She glanced at Eyan. Then toward the door. “And if you truly wish to thank someone… thank your grandson. He is the one behind all of this.”
King Thalor inhaled sharply.
“My grandson…” he whispered. “Where is he? Call him inside.”
Eyan smiled softly and turned toward the doors. “Leo, come inside. Your grandfather is calling you.”
A moment later, Leo stepped in hesitantly. His small footsteps echoed faintly against the marble floor.
He bowed properly. “Greetings, Grandfather. My name is Leo Alen Therald. It’s nice to meet you.”
King Thalor only stared at him.
The resemblance struck him deeply — the eyes, the posture, the stubborn pride. He saw Eyan in that small frame….His expression softened. He crouched down to Leo’s height and opened his arms.
“Come here,” he said warmly. “Come to your grandfather.”
Leo’s face lit up. He ran forward without hesitation and threw himself into the King’s embrace, wrapping his small arms around the old man’s neck.
King Thalor held Leo close, his aged hands trembling as tears slipped freely down his cheeks.
“Thank you, Leo,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for freeing our bloodline from the Dragon King.”
He pulled back slightly, looking into the boy’s bright eyes. “In return for this… your grandfather will grant you anything. Ask. Whatever you desire.”
Leo’s face lit up instantly. “Really, Grandpa?”
“Yes,” King Thalor said with a proud nod. “Anything.”
Leo smiled innocently. “Then… let me touch your face.”
Before the King could react, two tiny hands cupped his cheeks. Leo examined him with serious concentration. He turned his grandfather’s face to the right. Then to the left. Tilted it upward. He stretched one cheek gently. Then tugged on his beard.
“Ahh!” King Thalor winced.
“Leo, stop it,” Eva said firmly.
But King Thalor burst into laughter. “No, no… let him.”
Leo nodded thoughtfully.
“Grandpa, your beard is real. I thought it was fake. And your face has so many wrinkles… and your body feels weak too.”
“Leo!” Eva scolded immediately. “You are disrespecting your grandfather. Apologise.”
Leo quickly released his grip and bowed his head. “I apologise for my rudeness, Grandpa.”
King Thalor waved his hand gently. “Eva, my child, don’t scold him. He’s only curious.”
He looked at Leo warmly. “My face is wrinkled because I am old. And my body is weak because your grandfather falls sick often.”
Leo tilted his head slightly.
“But you can make yourself healthy again. All you need is some healing magic.”
The King chuckled. “That is true. But as you know… magic does not work on the Therald bloodline—”
He stopped mid-sentence.
Leo had stepped closer. The boy reached out and placed his small hand over his grandfather’s.
Then—
Leo’s red eyes began to glow.
A brilliant crimson light enveloped King Thalor’s body, wrapping around him like a protective flame. Warmth spread through his veins. The dull exhaustion in his features faded. His pale skin regained color. The slight bend in his back straightened slowly. The air hummed softly with power. Then the light dimmed. Leo’s eyes returned to normal.
He smiled brightly. “There, Grandpa. You’re healthy now.”
Eyan stared in stunned silence.
King Thalor slowly flexed his fingers. Rolled his shoulders. Straightened completely. The ache in his joints had vanished. His breathing was steady. Strength surged through him like he had not felt in years.
Suddenly, he laughed — loud and full. “I’m healthy again!”
Without hesitation, he lifted Leo high into the air and settled him proudly on his shoulders. “Now I can play with my grandson as much as I want!”
He turned toward Eyan, grinning like a much younger man. “Eyan, tell the royal physician he need not come anymore. My grandson has cured me.”
Eyan shook his head, smiling helplessly. “Fine. I’ll tell him.”
King Thalor looked up at Leo sitting securely on his shoulders. “Where shall we go, Leo? Your grandfather will take you anywhere.”
Leo leaned forward excitedly. “Let’s go to the garden, Grandpa!”
“The garden it is!” King Thalor declared happily.
And with renewed strength in his stride and laughter echoing down the corridor, the King of Therald walked out of the chamber with his grandson sitting proudly upon his shoulders.
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King Thalor’s laughter echoed down the corridor as he disappeared with Leo perched proudly on his shoulders.
The chamber fell quiet. Eva stood near the open doors, watching until their figures were no longer visible. A warm, peaceful smile rested on her lips.
Eyan moved closer behind her. “What are you looking at?” he asked softly.
“Father and Leo,” she replied gently. “They look wonderful together.”
Eyan followed her gaze and smiled. “Yes… they do.”
There was a calmness in the air now. A calmness neither of them had known in years.
Eva exhaled slowly. “I’m happy everything is alright now. No more secrets between us.”
Eyan nodded. “Right.”
He grew quiet for a moment. “But… there is something I want to ask you.”
Eva turned to face him. “What is it?”
Eyan stepped closer and gently cupped her face between his hands, his thumbs brushing her cheeks.
“You could have told me about your pregnancy in a normal way,” he said, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Why did you create such a dramatic plan? Do you have any idea how terrified I was when Leo suddenly appeared and claimed to be my son?”
He let out a breath.
“I was losing my mind. I kept thinking— how is that even possible? How could I have a son when I have never been with any woman besides you?”
Eva burst into laughter.
Eyan stared at her in disbelief. “You’re laughing? I’m serious.”
“I know,” she said between giggles. “I did it because I wanted to punish you.”
“Punish me?” he repeated. “For what mistake?”
She crossed her arms lightly.
“The Moon Veil tonic,” she said pointedly. “You were taking it so I wouldn’t conceive, weren’t you?”
Eyan froze. “…How did you know?”
“Brother Luca told me, of course.”
Eyan closed his eyes briefly. “Of course he did.”
Eva’s expression softened, but there was still a hint of accusation in her voice. “I was furious when I found out. Do you know what could have happened if that tonic had worked? My wish would never have been granted. You could have ruined everything.”
She placed a hand over her stomach unconsciously..“But in the end… it didn’t work. And I conceived our child.”
Eyan lowered his gaze..“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I didn’t know. If I had known what was going to happen… I would never have taken it.”
Eva stepped closer and cupped his face this time..“Don’t look like that,” she murmured. “It’s not your fault. Everything turned out fine.”
Eyan leaned into her touch, catching her hand and pressing it gently against his cheek.
“…Yes,” he said softly. “Everything is fine now.”
For a moment, he simply looked at her.
Then his eyes shifted, becoming more mischievous.
“Eva… that letter.”
She stiffened slightly. “What about it?”
“You wrote it, didn’t you?”
A small smile tugged at her lips. “I did.”
Eyan tilted his head. “But the words in it didn’t sound made up. They sounded like something I would actually say.” He leaned closer. “And yet… I don’t remember ever saying them.”
A faint blush crept up Eva’s cheeks.
Eyan bent until his lips were near her ear, his voice dropping to a low whisper. “Tell me… were those truly my words? Or did you invent them?”
Eva’s face flushed deeper.
“I made them up,” she admitted quietly. “It sounded like you because I know how you speak when we’re alone.”
Eyan’s smile widened. “Looks like my wife knows me very well.”
He traced his thumb lightly along her jaw.
“Can you say those lines again?” he whispered. “I want to hear them from your lips.”
Eva bit her lower lip and looked away.
He chuckled softly. “Are you shy now? In front of everyone you said them boldly.”
He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear..“What were the words again…”
He murmured slowly, “‘
Eva let out a soft gasp, her cheeks burning bright red. She pushed him firmly on the chest.
“Eyan!”
Before he could continue, she turned and hurried toward the door, covering her flushed face with both hands.
Eyan laughed, the sound rich and teasing.
“Wait,” he called after her. “Where are you going? I’m not finished yet.”
Eva ran down the corridor, her hands still covering her burning face.
“Eva, wait!” Eyan called after her, half laughing, half genuinely worried.
She didn’t slow down.
“Don’t follow me!” she shouted, though there was no real anger in her voice—only embarrassment.
“Stop running!” Eyan hurried after her. “You’ll trip!”
She turned a corner too quickly, and in his attempt to stop her, Eyan reached forward blindly—
And grabbed the back knot of her dress.
The delicate ribbon snapped loose in his hand.
In the next second—
The back of her gown fell open completely.
Both of them froze.
Eva went utterly still.
Eyan looked at the loosened fabric in his hand. Then at her exposed back. His stomach dropped.
He had made a mistake. A big one.
Slowly—very slowly—Eva turned around. Her eyes were no longer embarrassed. They were blazing.
“Eyan Therald.”
He immediately straightened. “I didn’t mean to—!”
“Have you completely lost your mind?!” she hissed, clutching the front of her dress tightly. “What do you think you’re doing?!”
“I was trying to stop you!” he defended helplessly, stepping closer in panic. “You were running so fast”
“And your solution was to undress me?!” she snapped.
His face drained of color. “No! I grabbed the knot—I didn’t know it would—”
“You didn’t know?” she snapped, taking a furious step toward him despite her predicament. “You didn’t know pulling the only thing holding my dress together would open it?!”
Eva glared at him. “For an Emperor, you lack common sense.”
“That’s unfair,” he muttered. “I was concerned about my pregnant wife sprinting through corridors.”
Her expression flickered slightly at that—but she remained stubborn.
“Fix it,” she ordered sharply, turning her back to him while gripping the front of her gown tightly.
“Yes, yes—of course,” he said quickly.
Eyan moved behind her, trying to gather the fallen fabric with careful hands. His fingers fumbled with the ribbon.
He cleared his throat. “…How was this tied?”
“You untied it,” she shot back.
“I did not untie it on purpose!”
“Hurry!”
“I am hurrying!”
His fingers refused to cooperate. The ribbon slipped. The fabric shifted again.
“Why is this so complicated?” he muttered under his breath.
“Because it’s a gown, not your armor,” Eva snapped.
He tried again.
And failed again.
“Why are you so useless at this?” she muttered.
“I was trained for swords, not ribbons,” he replied under his breath.
She shot him a sharp look over her shoulder.
He immediately straightened. “That was not an excuse. I’m tying it.”
Just then—
Footsteps echoed from the far end of the corridor. Both of them stiffened.
Eyan’s eyes widened. “…Someone’s coming.”
Eva gasped softly. “Eyan!”
.
.
To be continued—
